After teaching at other people’s venues for over two decades, Kim setup her own studio, Orchard Jewellery Workshop in 2023. This dedicated, jewellery tuition studio offers a range of workshops, and support for the jewellery community, in Bristol and beyond.
During Kim’s own jewellery education, she often became frustrated and was left feeling like she had spent the majority of her time in class waiting to use tools and equipment.
Because of this, Kim has always been passionate that students should have ready access to everything they need to take part in their course and optimise their learning. Regular students always joke, “What have you bought now?!”
At Make it with Kim, we believe the joy of creating should be open to everyone. Accessibility isn’t just a policy for us; it’s a priority. We’re always learning and love hearing your feedback on how we can make our space even more welcoming.
Our home at Orchard Jewellery Workshop is completely stair-free. While the studio is brimming with tools and equipment, we’ve kept the layout open and spacious, making it easy to navigate for wheelchair users and those using mobility aids.
To make sure you’re comfortable while you create, we offer adjustable workspace heights and a variety of adapted tools, like specialised clamps, presses, and pouring aids designed to help with dexterity.
The buildings shared toilet space is also equipped with a lowered sink and mobility rail. If you need specific measurements for doors or cubicles to feel confident before your visit, please just give us a shout, we’re more than happy to help!
We strive to adapt our tuition to each individual’s needs and preferences, while covering a range of learning styles.
Tuition is usually a mix of live demos, verbal instruction, and accompanying step by step picture handouts with plenty of time for questions and 1-1 support. If you have specific requirements, please get in touch.
The Orchard Jewellery Workshop is a bit of a hidden gem – pun intended! We’re tucked away at the back of The Kingswood Estate, a community of small creative businesses and charities in East Bristol.
We have plenty of on-site and on-street parking nearby, and bus routes 16, 41, 42, & 43 all stop within a 10-minute walk of our front door.
As we can be a little tricky to locate – especially on your first visit – make sure to take a quick peak at our guide below.
Do not rely on the studio postcode as it often directs people to John Cabot School with which we have no affiliation or access way.
Orchard Workshop is the one-story white building located at the back of The Kingswood Estate. The main estate is built in a horseshoe configuration, so to reach Orchard Workshop, you need to walk around the back of the main horseshoe building.
Follow the blue dashed line as indicated on the map to cut between the buildings.
Please note that while you can also cut through the estate’s reception, this entrance may not be accessible outside of regular business hours.
If you require assistance, please contact Kim on 07734 805250 or ask at The Estates main reception for Orchard Workshop.
As you enter The Kingswood Estate, you will see the main buildings are a horseshoe configuration - we're tucked around the back, accessed via the left end of the horseshoe.
Head down the passage, past signs for Community Transport and Gymnastics.
Turn right at the short bank of white garages, and head on past some parking bays.
Walk through the green metal gate (this may be locked if you are early, just give Kim a call)
Follow the path and you will see the white stable doors of the studio, our main entrance is just the other side of the building.
with acclaimed Professional Tutor Kim Thomson at her studio, Orchard Jewellery Workshop in Kingswood, Bristol.
